Gauri Kalyana Vaibhogame- Parvati returns to Aushadhiprashta.

On hearing the voice, tears streamed out of Pārvatī's eyes, Her heart began to pound fast. "I am your servant, O Pārvatī! Even a minute without you seems like it's been aeons." the voice continued. Pārvatī turned backwards, she was amazed to see Śiva holding Her hands. Her happiness showed up in the form of tears, she at once embraced Him tightly with all her tears falling on Śiva's broad chest. It was like Her tears were washing away the grief of separation in Bhava's heart.

"O Pārvatī, I am guilty of putting you through so many trials, please forgive me. I am overwhelmed by your penance. O dear, choose your boon." Said Śiva. Even though Śiva knew her desire, he said "Choose your boon" because he was eager to hear the sweet voice of Pārvatī. Pārvatī was overwhelmed with shyness and couldn't utter a word. She, with her head bent down, remained silent. Śiva smiled and lifted her chin with his lotus-like hands and repeated his words.

"You be my husband, O Mahādeva! What else do I need?" Answered Pārvatī, with her cheeks turned red due to shyness. Her voice and words pleased Hara's ears, he proceeded "O dear, I am forever your husband and you, my wife. We are inseparable. Accompany me, we will immediately go to our abode, the magnificent Kailāśa." 

Gaurī denied, leaving Śaṅkara astonished. She said, "You are my eternal husband, O Īśvara. Yet, in this birth, I am the daughter of Menakā and the Mountain king. O Lord, you need to come and ask me as your alms from my father, Himavān. I am forever yours, but Śaṅkara, my father's abode will become pure and holy by the contact of your golden feet. Thus, I want you to come to my father's palace with the marriage proposal. My beloved, formerly, the marriage rituals were not followed properly, the planets weren't properly worshipped by my father, Daksha. However, this time every customary procedures of the wedding will be followed. Now, with your permission, I will return to my father’s residence." Śiva smiled and agreed. "O Śive, I'm your servant and will follow every one of your words." said Śiva, Pārvatī chuckled and left to Auṣadhiprāsta, Śiva too returned to Kailāśa but was very distressed because of the separation. He couldn't live without Pārvatī even for a moment. Nevertheless, he had to wait. 

The information on Pārvatī's return spread all through Auṣadhiprāsta. Everyone yelled "Our Princess is returning!" with their faces beaming with joy. The entire city was designed with fragrant blossoms, plantain trees and delightful lights, the sound of Vedic mantras were heard all over the place. Pārvatī, with her companions, embellished herself with royal garments and jewellery and showed up at Auṣadhiprāsta. The happiness of mother Menāvati and Himavān knew no limits in the wake of seeing their daughter. Pārvatī's eldest brother, Maināka's eyes filled with tears on seeing his dearest sister, all the other brothers were equally happy. The priests welcomed the Princess and her friends by performing Vedic rituals and reciting Vedic mantras. Devās showered flowers, from the sky on Gaurī and bowed down to her. 

Pleasant music of traditional instruments was played. Dancing ladies and women with lamps held in their hands welcomed Kālikā inside the palace. Umā bowed down and took the blessings of her parents. Menā shed tears and embraced Pārvatī. Everybody viewed themselves as blessed and praised Durgā for her achievement and adored her with fragrant flowers, scent, sandalwood paste and other materials. Menā then fed delicious food to Her, who is Annapūrṇā herself.

After spending time with her family, Bhavāni went to her room and sat down on the swing. She was lost in the thoughts of Śiva. Meanwhile, Śiva, with a wide smile on his face, rose to leave Kailāśa.

To be continued...

Hara! Hara!

Yours, 

Śivapādahṛdaya.